Wild Play Puts Dons in First

Shortstop Katlyn Harvey scored the winning run on a wild sixth inning play as the Dons defeated Cypress College, 3-1, to take the lead in the Orange Empire Conference standings.

With runners on first and second and the Dons down by a single run in the sixth, Harvey dropped a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners. Chargers pitcher Taylor Pierce fielded the ball and overthrew first base. Kori Cochran and Emily Whitecavage were able to score as the ball sailed into right field.

Reminiscent of a children’s little league play, Harvey was then caught in a rundown and advanced to third on another throwing error. The umpire then awarded Harvey home plate after she was obstructed by the Cypress shortstop.

“Coach gave me the call for the sac bunt—I made sure I got it down for the team,” Harvey said.

She also stated that she made sure the umpire was able to see the obstruction play.

“You kind of have to (emphasize) because not all umpires will see that,” Harvey said.

Santa Ana freshman pitcher Tori Franks wouldn’t need any more run support as she sat down the Chargers in order to finish the game in the top of the seventh.

“I made sure this game versus the last one to bust a lot of their hitters inside,” Franks said. “I really wanted to get some easy outs to the left side.”

The win moved the Dons into first place in the OEC, and is the team’s eighth win in its last nine games.

“It’s important for these guys to know they brought their game to the top team today but every game and every team we play from here on out needs the same intensity,” Dons Co-Head Coach Susie Parra said.